Interview with Takuya Saeki

Takuya Saeki ("TS") interviewed on Tuesday, 2 July.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

TS : As of 2024, I have been a graphic designer for 22 years. I have been working as a company employee for 10 years and as a freelancer for 12 years. After graduating from high school, I studied about graphic designers at a technical school.

How did you become a designer?

TS : Ever since I was a child, I have always found flyers and posters difficult to understand. For example, the wording was not consistent, or important information was not written. I thought, "I should have done it better this way. I also liked drawing comics and pictures. After graduating from high school, I studied abroad and tried to become a professional soccer player, but was unsuccessful. After that, when I was thinking about it in agony, I had a cousin who was a designer, and when I heard about it, it sounded interesting. So I became interested and enrolled in a graphic design school to study design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

TS : We are most conscious of the role and purpose required of that design we are creating. Why are we creating the product? What is the reason? What kind of effect are we looking for after the creation? What effect are you looking for after the creation? Next, who do you want to communicate the product to? In most cases, the target audience will be a group of people of different ages, regions, hobbies, and preferences. In most cases, the product is made for people selected by age, region, interests, tastes, and so on. We create with that communicator in mind. We believe that the wording will be different for adults and for teenagers, and the finished impression must also be different. Finally, can we explain the content of the production? Can you explain the content of the production? Once the purpose of the production and the intended audience are determined, the direction of the finished product will naturally emerge. If you are able to do so, you will be able to explain the necessity of even the smallest line.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

TS : When we actually produce something that we had considered in advance and the production proceeds smoothly due to that consideration, we are still able to proceed in a pleasant and clear minded manner. On the other hand, if something was left out or overlooked in the study, it is necessary to study it again in order to add that element, and that stage is a difficult one. Therefore, when matters that could not be anticipated during the actual production process occur after the review, it can be a painful process to deal with them.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

TS : I kept seeing "good things." At the entrance ceremony of a graphic design school, the principal of the school at that time told us that we should keep looking at beautiful and excellent things. He said, "Keep looking at beautiful and excellent things. I think this means that what you experience and experience will always be your food. Therefore, I try to use and choose things that have excellent design and are beautiful in my daily life. I also have the ability to verbalize my thoughts. In graphic design production, there are many opportunities to explain the intention and reason for production. I think it is necessary to have the ability to explain in such cases and to smoothly explain the intention behind the choice of expression. Reading is effective for this purpose.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

TS : We would like to eventually design everything related to the airline. Starting with the airline's logo, website, smartphone app for reservations, various uniforms, service counters, seats inside passenger aircraft, etc. It may not be realistic to design everything related to the airline in question, but I am very interested. Even if I don't get the commission, I would like to produce it during my retirement.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

TS : Please make a lot of them. By making them, you will learn how difficult it is to make them. Don't be satisfied with just the information on the screen, but actually go there and experience the works, concerts, and trips. There are many things and experiences that you will not understand unless you go to the field. Keep trying. It is difficult to keep going, but your value will increase if you keep going. Don't do nothing at all, but keep going, even if it's just a little bit. Your efforts will definitely pay off.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

TS : I'll refrain from answering now.

What is your day to day look like?

TS : In the mornings, we see and learn about design and a variety of information, as well as progress with thought-provoking content. In the afternoon, I work on production, meetings, and other tasks that require instantaneous judgment. I try to get plenty of sleep.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

TS : I try to keep up with the latest design trends. Or rather, if I am constantly following design information, I naturally know what the current trends are. It would be nice if I could immediately test design trends on a project, but it is frustrating when a project does not match.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

TS : I'll refrain from answering now.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

TS : It is when there are generally no more hesitations or uncertainties in the production process. When I have a clear understanding of the client's requirements and can see a path to give shape to those requirements, then I can proceed.

What is your biggest design work?

TS : This is a management support and sales improvement iPad app for beauty salons in Japan, released in April 2024. The total size of the app was about 100 to 150 screens, and we read the text provided by the client on how the app would be used. Based on the text, we studied the elements on the still blank screens, created wireframes, built a design system, and reflected the design system. It took a total of nine months to complete the project, which was quite a long time, but we were able to complete it successfully. I was also in charge of creating the logo for the service, which was carried out by a total of five people, including a freelance designer. I was also in charge of design direction.

Who is your favourite designer?

TS : Kashiwa Sato https://kashiwasato.com/ Yugo Nakamura https://tha.jp/

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

TS : I am Japanese and live in Tokyo. I love Tokyo. Shibuya in particular has always had a positive influence on me. I have been visiting Shibuya since I was a high school student, so I think it is that influence. It is also a place that is constantly changing, as it is home to some of the most challenging events and stores in Japan. However, there is a strong sense of order there, and no unmanned conduct or behavior is tolerated.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

TS : I'll refrain from answering now.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

TS : Since the beginning of this year, I am often asked for tips on how to be independent or freelance, and I try to answer positively.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

TS : It was very stimulating to have a third party evaluate my work, which was done from a global perspective. I was also lucky enough to receive a bronze award, so it was good to have my skill level known.

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